On the morning of November 10, 2014, Jim Shannon, with his family and faithful dog Abbey by his side, passed away at the Veterans Home in Warrensburg, Missouri following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Jim was born on March 1, 1944 at St. Joseph Hospital in Boonville, Missouri. The son of Gilbert and Marguerite Shannon attended and graduated from St. Peter & Paul School in 1962. Jim attended Rockhurst College from 1962 through 1966. He married his high school sweetheart Paula Lowther, of Boonville, on November 24, 1966. While serving in the United States Air Force from 1966-1971, Jim and Paula were stationed at Izmir, Turkey, a cherished highlight of his military assignments. During his service in Turkey, the USAF awarded Jim the Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service.

In 1970, Jim and Paula welcomed their first child, James Mitchell Shannon, into the world. As a devoted father, Jim never missed one of Mitch’s sporting or school events either as a coach or a fan. Jim spent treasured times with his family in the Rocky Mountains. His warm personality ensured that he never met a stranger on the ski lift or anywhere else in the world. Traveling with his family was one of his favorite past times, providing the opportunity to meet new people and learn more about different cultures and their history.

Jim led the life of a “Cowboy Hero”. He was a true gentleman. His hard work and unwavering honesty, that began when he was young, transcended into his adulthood. He got up early, worked hard, and his handshake was as true as his word. Those in the horse industry admired Jim’s natural ability in training and showing horses. His cowboy ethics guided him throughout his life, both personally and professionally.

Following Jim’s service in the USAF, he and his family settled in Littleton, Colorado, in 1973. In 1977, Jim established Shannon Appraisals, Inc. from which he retired in 2001. His distinguished career was recognized throughout the appraisal community including serving as the Denver Chapter President of The Society of Real Estate Appraisers, as well as teaching courses within his professional organization. The honor, integrity, and dedication that Jim showed within his profession continues to be acknowledged by colleagues and corporations nationally.

Jim’s greatest joy was his family and friends. Jim and Paula rejoiced in their love and devotion to each other for over 50 years. Friends marveled at how, at any available moment, they jumped at the chance to “cut a rug” to their rock and roll favorites. Their love for each other inspired numerous generations of friends and families as a guiding light for true love.

Shortly after Jim’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, Jim and Paula retired to their hometown of Boonville, Missouri, in 2004. Jim’s grace in handling such a devastating disease was yet another example of Jim’s philosophy of “never, never, never give up”. After arriving in Boonville, they enjoyed reconnecting with childhood friends and became very involved within their community. Inspired by Jim’s youth of growing up along the Missouri River, Jim and Paula helped support the creation of “Save the Katy Bridge Coalition” which was successfully realized, in 2013.

Starting 2003, Jim’s family grew to include Mitch’s wife Kristen Wetzel Shannon of Casper, Wyoming and two grandchildren James “Kieran” Shannon and Eliza “Delaney” Shannon. He was preceded in death by his parents James Gilbert Shannon and Marguerite Oswald Shannon and his infant son Ryan Patrick Shannon. His surviving family includes his wife Paula Shannon of Boonville, Missouri, his son Mitch (Kristen) Shannon and family, of Parker, Colorado, his brother Don (Diane) Shannon and family of Fort Collins, Colorado and his sister Peg (Pat) Mulhern and family of Centennial, Colorado and his sister-in-law Pam Lowther (Mike) Fennewald of Albany, Georgia.

A memorial and celebration of Jim’s life will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 22, 2014 at the First Christian Church, 301 Fourth Street, Boonville, Missouri. There will be a reception following in the First Christian Church Fellowship Hall. Memorial donations can be made to the Save the Katy Bridge Coalition.

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